I admit it. I get star struck.

I didn't think so for the longest time, but yes...

I tend to turn into a blithering idiot around celebrities.

I had the opportunity to visit the CNN building back in 2013, and be a guest on their After Dark show as part of the studio jury during a very high profile case. I got to meet people who are on TV everyday; who are as normal as anyone you might run into in most places.

Me and Vinnie Politan

Me and Darren Kavinoky

Yep. Red-faced, stumbling over my words, bonafide star struck.

To tell you the truth, I didn't think much of it, other than being excited I got to meet these fascinating people.

But it all came back to me, in a rush, back in May, 2015.

You see, I'm involved with prayer groups on Twitter. One of the people I pray for is Charlie Daniels. That's right, the "Devil Went Down To Georgia" guy. (If you don't know who he is, please Google him and check him out on iTunes. You're missing out on some fine music.) My husband has seen Charlie in concert numerous times, and I decided to go with him in May.

Cyn, Charlie Daniels, and hubby, "Pyro-Jack"

I'm so honored Charlie chose to follow me!

Charlie has graciously thanked me for praying for him, Ms. Hazel, and the rest of his crew, numerous times on Twitter. Back to May. We're waiting our turn at the meet-and-greet before the show. As Charlie shook Jack(Pyro)'s hand, Jack said, "And this is my wife, Charlie". I stepped out from behind Jack, Charlie looked me square in the face, and said, "You're CYN!"

and shook my hand, both of us grinning. You see, Charlie was being his usual charming self, posing with people for pictures as he does for every meet-and-greet before a show, but for me, this was different.

He. Knew. My. Name.

And I couldn't help but think, 'If I'm this star struck over Charlie Daniels' knowing my name, HOW MUCH MORE when Jesus says my name?.

How much more indeed?

Praying for my readers today. And Charlie Daniels too.

(An extra note--Charlie's godson, Logan Smith was killed in an auto accident over Labor Day weekend. Please include Logan's parents, Wayne & Cindy, as well as his sister Leighanna in your prayers. Thanks.)

Need prayer? Leave a comment, and know you'll be lifted to His throne.

Here I was feeling like something you would scrape off the bottom of your shoe, while He was working things behind the scenes and urging people to encourage me. Whether a blog post, a Facebook or Pinterest post; even a tweet...all His timing.

(If you've missed the previous parts of this journey, you can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here. )

God used wonderful writers, especially Lisa Buffaloe, to speak to my heart--even in the days I could do nothing, barely feeling anything. The enemy loves when we are in such a state. In Lisa's book, "No Wound Too Deep", she writes,"He (Satan) is out to spoil anything good by planting doubts, insecurities, lies, and stirring the pots of the past to create havoc and destruction." And on the very next page, Lisa points us to truth, "We don't have to limp through life. We don't have to believe the enemy's lies that some things are just too bad or too deep for God's healing touch."

The harder Satan leaned on me, using memories of these injustices I faced, the more I felt the roots of what God wanted to grow in me strengthen.

A diamond is only formed from great pressure and heat.

Lisa writes, "There are blessings in the wrestling, the not letting go...the wrestling to venture beyond the quick, addictive temporary 'fixes' of this world, or the shrugging of the shoulders and caving in to believe the enemy's lies. The blessings come when we wrestle until the dawn of understanding breaks." (emphasis mine)

God will not waste any of my experiences.

God didn't waste any part of Saul/Paul's life. (after his conversion. You may read his story in Acts, chapter 9)

God used his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, and even his weaknesses to accomplish His greater purpose.

So while I was being trampled, sucker punched, and left for dead by the side of the road, God had something better in mind.

Don't get me wrong--I hated it when I was going through it. If I had known what was going to happen, I probably wouldn't have chosen that route...and I would have missed the growth that can only happen in the valley.

So what did I learn?

First and foremost, God is still God. He is the same, all the time. And that brings me to the second thing.

God's opinion of me is the only one I need. I had made the fatal mistake of allowing what someone else thought of me to skew my own vision of myself.

Scars remain. Proof I was in the battle. But I'm a bit wiser...and a lot more interested in what God has to say; how He chooses to use me in whatever situation He allows me to be in.

Are you willing to let God do the same to you?

You will never know all He can do with you until you allow Him to have all that you are.

God's timing, as always, is perfect.
I haven't written anything on this blog, or anywhere, for that matter, since my last post, Afterthoughts -- Part 1, back in September, 2013.

Been a tough time...this last 18 or so months...

Learned some stuff, thankfully, along the way. And still learning.

Apparently, 2014 was a year of healing.

Confessing to God I was brokenhearted, instead of glossing over my feelings or making excuses.

I had been seducedby the enemy of my soul, an elaborate hoax aimed squarely at the most tender part of my heart, where the hurt is the most paralyzing.

During this time of seeming inactivity, I have been unable to write, sculpt, send encouraging notes...even spend deep times of study in my Bible. Knowing all these things are a detriment to a Christian's spiritual life, I tried on more than one occasion--but the answer was the same.

NO.

All I could do was pray. Some "Hey Lord, I need some help here!" prayers...others more in depth--more often questions than not; an outpouring of utterances. Sometimes simply sitting in front of my open Bible, letting the tears fall...

Grief, washing over me, like rain...

--I was blindsided by unhealthy friendships.
--I lost a job I loved.
--One of the unhealthy friendships struck so deep, it caused a scrutiny of other friendships, questioning their health as well as leaving me afraid to reach out at all.
--We lost 3 dogs, rescues we've had since 2006.
--Numerous deaths of friends from younger days, including my Matron of Honor.
--Add in health issues, elevated costs with no elevation of resources, and a withdrawing in general; not as an escape but a re-examining to be sure I was indeed in God's Will for my life...

All the while being aware of my limited time on Earth.

I was a mess.

So I pondered.

The Lord led me to authors like Beth Moore ( When Godly People Do Ungodly Things )

God keeps no record of wrongs, (1 Corinthians 13:5) but you can bet Satan does. He's a meticulous note taker.

I've started a new sculpture. A friend described something she had seen at a craft fair.

...There were crosses wrapped in some kind of wire, and they were hollow, filled with stones...(like the junk inside us!) Each one had a key or a nail, affixed on top....

And the wheels in my head started to spin...

What DO we bring to the cross?

We bring our moments, stopped in time-

a diagnosis, a death,

broken relationships,

words that cut as deep as broken glass,

abuses-- from any and everywhere,

false religious beliefs,

and so much more, some of which is plain ol' trash....

But before you wallow in despair from all these bad things,

We can bring it all to the cross.

Jesus invites us!
I learned it from a song-- ♪ ♫ "For His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
He said, 'Come unto Me all ye that labor,
and I will give you sweet rest!'♫ ♪♪" (based on Matthew 11:30,31)

I've felt compelled to pray for those who have experienced the death of their child.
And I feel lost at where to begin.

I've never faced this grief myself.
I cannot imagine the jumble of emotions, lightening quick, that would course through my body, my brain...my heart..

To know I will not see my child, my baby (yes, no matter how old they become) ever again, this side of Heaven...

Yet I'm compelled to pray...

for parents I don't know...over children I will not meet...

The situation that brought this result is immaterial to me as I pray. Whether by accident, disease, by the action of someone else, or by the child's own hand, the result is still the same.

A child is gone from this world.

A heart is stilled.

A dream is shattered.

Hope is lost.

Futures are ended.

And parents mourn.

I know of One who knows what the parents are going through. He lost His child too.

The more I see publicity taking its potshots, and discussing the death of Trayvon Martin over and over on the television and social media, I can't help but feel so sad for his parents. They are dealing with loss compounded by public opinion at every turn.

For more than a week I've been listening to the news reports about the Boston marathon bombing and the horrific fire/explosion in West, Texas. I can get almost paralyzed by events like these, combined with the shock of the extent of how far the enemy will reach to destroy. Then there's the blogs, Facebook and Twitter posts...

And the Lord brought Jonah to mind.

Huh?

Jonah. The guy swallowed up in a big fish.

Why?
(Stay with me--I'll get there, I promise)

For a moment, my mind went blank. So I started to read ....and my mind put this together.

The Lord told Jonah to go preach to the Ninevites. Jonah said no. He didn't like the Ninevites, he grew up hating the Assyrians and fearing their atrocities. They were known throughout the region for exploiting the helpless, idolatry, prostitution, witchcraft and cruelty in war. His hatred was so strong, he didn't think they 'deserved' to hear the message of God's grace. So he left, jumped on a ship for Tarshish. (Jonah 1:1-3 NIV)

Jonah, with his "I don't care what God says" attitude, boards a ship and falls into a deep sleep, in the middle of a violent storm. (Jonah 1:4-5) The captain and other men on the ship begged Jonah to tell them what to do. When Jonah finally told them to throw him overboard, the men did their best to row back to shore, so they wouldn't have to harm Jonah. The sea became rougher still. The men on the ship asked God for forgiveness for sacrificing Jonah's life. Finally, they threw him overboard and the sea became calm. But Jonah didn't die. God sent a fish to swallow Jonah and keep him alive while God dealt with him.

Chapter 2 is Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish. He was simply grateful he had not died. As a prophet, he knew he neglected his responsibility of total obedience to God.

Chapter 3 tells of Jonah finally going to Nineveh, proclaiming the message God gave him for that city. The king heard, issued a decree, and the people turned from their wicked ways. God saw, and had compassion on them. God did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened.

So Jonah should have been ecstatic, right?

Chapter 4 opens with "But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry."
Jonah knew God was compassionate and loving, but he still didn't think the Ninevites deserved God's compassion. But God asked him, "Have you any right to be angry?".

Jonah's answer? He ran away to sulk.

God provided a vine to grow up over where Jonah lay, to give shade and ease his discomfort. Jonah was happy about the vine. The next day, God sent a worm to destroy the vine. Between the scorching wind and the blazing sun, Jonah wanted to die, again.

(verse 9)"But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?"

And Jonah replied, "I do. I am angry enough to die."

"But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" (Jonah 4:10,11 NIV)

Jonah was angry about the withering of the vine, but not concerned about what would have happened to the people of Nineveh. Jonah wanted God to have compassion on him, but not on the Ninevites, because, in his opinion, they didn't deserve it...

As I watch the news, I see the face of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. I see his family members, as well as innocent victims of the bombing, and the explosions in Texas.

I've been stuck.Not physically, Praise God. But stuck, just the same.
Sort of like a desert experience, worship and ideas all dried up.
And I couldn't quite put my finger on the reason why.

Until I started talking to the Lord about it!

You see, last year I decided to do something a little different. My experience with Lent had always been to give something up. Last year, I wondered what would happen if I added something to my day, rather than eliminate something.

I added prayer.

Please don't misunderstand; I pray my way through many moments each day. I can't remember not doing that. My friends, and even many strangers, know I am a prayer warrior. This was not a sudden experiment into something new. (To read about last year at this time, click here)

I was missing that focused time with God, for NO OTHER REASON than to seek His answer to my question, "What would happen if I added prayer to Lent?"

What would happen indeed?

I don't feel as 'stuck'.

I'm finding the motivation to do the items on my 'to-do' list.
I'm not beating myself up over the things that get pushed back a day.
I'm seeing His encouragement in the things I read.
I'm hearing His approval in the things I'm doing.

And I'm recognizing the enemy's fury with me, as I work to further God's purpose.

I get ideas (sometimes too many at once!) and start to formulate how to replicate the pretty things I see for my home.
For while I love to look at the catalogs I do not like the prices I see.
I understand the value of the artisan's time in making some of the creations.
I just don't always have the money.

A while back, I became familiar with a saying--"Lord, what can You supply before I buy?"

I knew He would supply ALL our needs; He had before and would continue to do so.

But what about the pretty things I saw in the catalogs? I didn't need them.

But I really wanted some of the things I saw.

One thing in particular, a large wooden finial (like for a fence post) caught my eye. They featured three sizes, from ten to about fifteen inches tall. They were painted wood, with a rich patina...oh, I could just imagine how perfect it would look as a book end on the shelf. I left the catalog opened to the dog-eared page, right on top of the other magazines in the basket. Oh how I wanted that painted piece of wood!

Gulp. It was $45.

But I still wanted it.

I started to ask God--could You supply this for me? I know it's a lot of money and it's just something to have...
But I sounded lame asking, even to me.

I held onto the catalog for years; if I can't have the bookend, I can at least love the picture. It went into my box of things that lifted my spirits, put away on a shelf.

Three years later, while driving my mother to her doctor's appointment, a section of highway was roped off for construction. My eyes often sweep the roadside, looking for deer or treasures. I spotted some odd looking thing on one of the construction barrels on the right shoulder up ahead. (You should know I rarely, if ever, ride in the right lane.) As I pulled over, I began to grin.

There, on top of the barrel, was the finial, as it appears in the above picture.

I carried it back to the car, still grinning. My mother had no idea what I had in my hands or the story behind it.

Unable to stop grinning, I had a testimony to tell my non-believing mother on the 40 minute drive home.
I showed her the picture when we got back home. Four months later, she gave her heart to Jesus.

Have you ever had one of those days?
I had these great expectations...

Writing today's (Monday's) blog post was one task on the list.

I was going to finish some last bits of art projects,

mail some packages and letters;

lo -- 17 "things" could have ,theoretically,

been moved from

"to-do"===>"to-DONE"...

except...

I had been called upon compelled to pray for some of my friends today. These weren't the usual, "Oh Lord, bless my friend ____ today, give her a great outcome from ___. And Please be with ___ as he goes through___."

Oh no. These were the gut-wrenching, sobbing, I-don't-know-what-I-can-say, O-Lord-how-can-this-happen? kind of prayers. The ones that stop you in your tracks and every fiber in your mind is thinking of your friend, picturing them wrapped in the Father's arms; His tears falling on their hair as He sobs with you on their behalf. And it was e-mail after e-mail and text after text. The needs kept coming, so I kept praying. I couldn't NOT pray.

I know a lot of people focus on a specific word for the coming year. I had never even heard of this practice, up until last year when the Lord impressed upon me the word determination. Determination kept me keeping on with what I knew, and still know, to be true.

My word for 2013 is expectancy.

I noticed, when I drive, I look to the sides of the road (of course watching where I'm going!). In fact, I was driving when the Lord and I had a conversation, and He whispered, " Yes,you look with expectancy".

I've learned to expect to find useful things by looking where others dismiss.

I notice. I ponder. But most importantly, I pray with expectancy.

Oh I still have a "to-do" list. And I'll keep at it. Unless He has something else (read: better) for me to do.

Because it's really not about me and what I want. It's about Him, His Kingdom, and what He wants.

T'was The Day After Christmas
T'was the day after Christmas (at least at my house)
Our bellies still full of cookies and grouse;
The stockings, now empty, were thrown on the floor,
With a half-eaten candy cane stuck to the door.
Some children, still sleeping, at this stroke of one
While others went shopping, hitting sales on the run.
Yes, up before 7--it's shopping they went
Seeking bargains. YES! Up to fifty percent!
There's gift wrap and ribbon, tags and all kinds of doo-dads,
The 'not-chosen' gifts that did not make this year's fads.
"I'll stock up for next year! Yes, that's what I'll get!"
I said as I stacked my cart full at Target.
"My shopping will be done, I won't have to scurry
Or go to the mall in that mad, insane flurry.
Yes! I can be finished! In June if I'm lucky!
And all will envy me!" (Won't THAT be just ducky?)
But then I paused, my face froze in mid-grin;
Had Christmas become just a battle to win?
Something to be conquered; a contest? a goal?
A competition for biggest and brightest of all?
And what about Jesus? What would He say
About the way we act around His birthday?
Yes, we remember Him before that big day
But after--how quickly we all turn away.
"Thank goodness it's over!" "We've put on quite a show!"
Then we all hunker down and wait for the snow.
The rat race continues, empty faces return,
Folks with no hope, no Jesus still haven't learned
To seek His face daily, yes, each day of the year.
Just ask Him in and He will draw near.
We need to live it like we believe
And not only show it on Christmas Eve.

I've had an ongoing chronic health issue that's gotten worse over the last two months. It makes me feel very tired and well, crappy.

Stuff has started to pile up.

Sigh.

I know there's stuff I should be doing.... but I don't feel like it.

I have piles of papers with snippets of wisdom on them...(tweets? blog posts?)

Paragraphs that could be the start of awesome articles...(book chapters? articles for publication?)

I just don't feel like it.

Add the usual "shoulds" to my daily routines--clean the house (because the kitchen floor is adhesive in spots)/ cook real food (because the take-out places are starting to recognize my voice) /and the most important one,

God is still waiting for me.

Yes, there have been times when I've left Him by the wayside...
because I didn't feel like ...

Praying...

Reading His Word...

Talking to Him in some other tone than whining....

I sat in my own little corner, moaning my body's betrayal, not feeling like doing anything about it.

But then today...
I could choose to not feel like it...or choose to do it anyway.

If I failed, I would be no worse off that I've been over the last two months. But if I was successful in my attempt...?

Please don't misread what I'm saying here. I truly had (and continue to have) a health issue that wipes me out so completely, I sometimes don't make it to the bathroom from the bedroom (a span of 12 feet). I made a pan of lasagna the other day that resulted in a 3 hour nap. There are 'invisible illnesses' that are truly devastating to experience and affect many women's daily lives. I have had a glimpse into their world and can be so empathetic to their circumstances.

I can only speak for myself.

I chose to do a long devotion today, even though I really didn't feel like it.

God was waiting for me--and graciously poured out His wisdom and love on me.

In His strength, He will guide me! In His unfailing love, He will Lead me!...the Lord tested the Israelites...'For I am the LORD who heals you!' (Exodus 15-NIV) Promise after promise. No hand slap because I've been away--He knows the afflictions I've had. I'm not condemned for my feelings.

And neither are you.

The mess may still be there. You still may not feel like doing anything about it.

Choose to feel like it. Even when you don't want to. And watch what my God will do.

Sigh. Our Memphis trip is over; life is back to the somewhat normal of our routine.
I've had nostalgic moments running through my mind. I'm not thinking, "where did the time go?" kinds of thoughts. When my son was small, I remember reading Erma Bombeck's quote about if she had life to do over, she would laugh more and scold less, say yes more than no, among other "Bombeck-isms" in her own unique style. I took these suggestions to heart.

I hope my son remembers the fun.

I hope he remembers the laughter.

I hope he remembers me praying for him.

I asked myself, why was I so worried about how he would turn out?

All through his later years of high school, he got himself up and out of the house, without my assistance.

He waited until he was 18 (not legal age of 16) to get his driver's license and immediately drove an hour to see his then-girlfriend --all on major highways.

He did all the applications and financial aid to change colleges after 1 semester at the local community college.

Two years later he did the same to attend a college more suited to his passion for music. He got an e-mail on Wednesday, stating his application and financial aid were approved. Move-in day was Saturday. He packed up his car and drove, sight unseen, from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, with a GPS and our blessing.

He graduated last month from that college, with honors.

Within the span of 10 days, he established residency in Tennessee, transferred his car, and got an apartment.

Really? I was worried about this kid?

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

I could of sworn it was Louie Armstrong standing there in the lobby...but of course it wasn't. It was a bronze statue against a backdrop of exquisite cut glass; at night the blue/green glass shimmered as the only light in the area--highlighting Louie in all his glory.
Yes, I was in Memphis, Tennessee.

I was there for my son's senior project. He gave his all to this project--losing and finding himself in the whole process. This was a very good thing for him. Knowing him as I do--as only mothers can know their sons--he had been struggling for years to find his way. He knew his passion; yet had those fears of actually pursuing it, afraid to fail.

He didn't fail.

He succeeded with an assurance; an expertise I knew he was capable of--but didn't know if he knew. He knows now.

He graduates next week. A hard earned Bachelor's Degree in Music Business Ministry. He is ready for the position God has for him. My son has been taught the things he needs to know, and met the people he needs to connect with, to succeed in bringing God's plan for him to fruition.

Back in late October 2011, we had a surprise snow storm. The snow was thick and heavy, causing some breakage of tree limbs. The lilac bush in my yard bore the brunt of the damage. (You can read about this in my Nov 8-2011 post) Two of the older thick branches were broken off by the weight of the snow. When I first saw the damage, I was heartbroken, thinking too much damage had been done and the bush wouldn't survive. All my gardening magazines stated lilacs shouldn't be trimmed more than a third of their wood; it would cause too much shock to the plant and it would die.
It was too late to do anything about it. What's done is done.

The Good Friday service I attended reminded me of this lilac bush. While I'm thinking the lilac bush is as good as dead, the onlookers in Jesus' day must have thought that about Him. Jesus hung on that cross, cruelly beaten, bleeding life's precious blood from His hands, His feet and His side.

How could He survive that?

He couldn't.

But He said He would be back:

"We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death...mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise." Mark 10:33-34 (NIV)(bold letters mine)

So life would appear from what would seem dead. But, we have to wait until the proper time.

I have had these 3 days of so much prayer; so much closeness to God and physically feeling His Presence that I have had moments I couldn't speak.

It started with my determination to start my Friday in devotional time.

"...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness..."(Matthew 6:33 NIV)
"...seek and you will find..."(Matthew 7:7 NIV)
"...seek and you will find..."(Luke 11:9 NIV)

Afterwards, I got many errands done; the ones that had been on recurring 'to-do' lists.
I washed, dried and folded three loads of laundry.
I made a big ol' pot of bean chili (simmering all day and making the house smell wonderful)
I made a smaller pot of black bean soup.
I worked on an art project I had been neglecting.
I got three boxes ready for the mail.
I spent time with friends Friday evening at our Bible study group.
I went to our church's prayer vigil from 10PM-1 AM, and had a prophetic Word spoken over me.

I was filled with a new energy from that Word.

I slept.

I awoke, renewed.

I continued to slash things off the seemingly endless 'to-do' list. I went from shop to stop, finding good prices, consolidating my efforts, even finding the best route to not waste any extra time....and all throughout the day, I had the certain feeling I was totally in the moment.

I was giving praise to Him and I was indeed thankful.

I'm in the middle of reading Ann Voskamp's book,"One Thousand Gifts";(I'm not done with it yet, but I highly recommend it.) In it, the author wrestles hard with God, with the injustices of this Earth and comes nose to nose with a quote from Alexander Schmemann about the Eucharist [thanksgiving].

About giving thanks for ALL things. Bad things. Hurtful, bloody things. The things that make us dig our nails into our palms and scream until no sound comes out...

'Eucharisteo' she calls it.

Jesus went to the cross for our sins. He endured the betrayal, the beatings, the whipping, the carrying of the cross, the spikes in His hands, His feet, and the spear in His side. Jesus dies that cruel death for each one of us. If there was no one else, He did it for you. For me.

"After taking the cup, He gave thanks..." Luke 22:17(NIV)
"And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it...
do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19(NIV)

The miracles happen after we truly give thanks.

Eucharisteo.

I pray this journey of adding prayer to Lent has brought you closer to God. I know I am not the same.

I got up early to go food shopping so I would be back in time for the workmen. Before I got home from the store, the headache had already dug its heels in deep. This pain would require more than the standard pain reliever. Sigh. Migraine meds will mean a nap, ice, and a fuzzy head. For hours.

Reading my Bible today was impossible--so today became a day of rest.

I could still pray, as God brought dear ones to mind.

I gave today to God--He knew what I was feeling like; if He allowed me to have this pain, it's ok with me.

It's been another prayer-filled day.
I continue to pray for my friends facing tough circumstances.

I continue to pray for the names I wrote down at the nursing facilities.

I was called upon to pray for the outcome of a friends court case today.

The prayer needs keep coming.

I don't know if I would have been as aware; as conscious of the depth of the needs; had I not been purposely focused on having intimate prayer time with Jesus.

It's alot like something I learned about God. The more I give Him, the more of Himself He gives me.

The more time I spent with Him in prayer, the more He gives me to pray about.

Naturally, this makes me a target for the enemy of my soul.

The workmen will be here at the house again tomorrow. Odds and ends need to be tidied up. Things will go wrong, as mechanical things do. The right headlight on my car will continue to work intermittently. There will be circumstances demanding to be brought to His throne room.

Friends are going through horrific circumstances--
Illness is taking and changing lives--
Meetings are happening where the outcomes affect future livelihood--
Children, of all ages, are thrust into situations never imagined by their parents--

The enemy is sowing discouragement, which leads to despair and ruined lives.
The enemy wants to keep us looking at the circumstances around us so we take our eyes off God.
The enemy wants us to have no hope. He wants our futures to look as bleak as his.

Today, I stand in the gap and pray for you.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus; He's waiting.

"Submit to God, resist the devil--and he will flee from you."
James 4:7 (NIV)

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